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Florida man Stephen Alford, linked to alleged Gaetz plot, charged in $25 million scheme

Florida man Stephen Alford, linked to alleged Gaetz plot, charged in $25 million scheme

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) walks out of the committee room during a hearing with the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information System in the Rayburn House Office Building on May 14, 2021 in Washington, DC.

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A man reportedly at the center of an alleged extortion plot involving Rep. Matt Gaetz and his family has been charged with engaging in a scheme to defraud a victim out of $25 million, in part by falsely promising he could secure a presidential pardon.

A grand jury charged Florida resident Stephen Alford, 62, with wire fraud in connection with the pardon scheme, carried out between March 16 and April 7, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.

Alford was also charged with attempting to stop the seizure of his iPhone by the government, said the grand jury indictment, which was signed by a U.S. magistrate judge on Aug. 18.

Alford was arrested earlier Tuesday and made his initial appearance in federal court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida said in a press release. He faces up to 25 years imprisonment on the charged crimes, according to the prosecutors’ office.

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Gaetz, R-Fla., a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, is being investigated by the Department of Justice about whether the 39-year-old congressman had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, The New York Times reported in March.

Gaetz, at the time that report came out, had linked that DOJ probe with the alleged $25 million “organized criminal extortion” scheme against him and his father, Don Gaetz.

Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing. He has not been charged with a crime.

A Times report from April 1, which described Alford as a real estate agent with a prior fraud conviction, said that he and a former Air Force intelligence officer named Robert Kent approached Don Gaetz about providing funding for an attempt to rescue an American hostage in Iran.

They reportedly told Don Gaetz, 73, that securing that hostage, Robert Levinson, could help clinch a pardon for his son in case he was charged with federal crimes.

Don Gaetz then hired a lawyer and contacted the FBI, the Times reported. Kent denied the allegations.

The grand jury indictment did not refer to Matt Gaetz, Don Gaetz, Levinson or Kent by their full names.

Instead, it said that Alford gave “Person A” the phone number of “D.G.” in order to “discuss the purported release of R.L. from captivity in Iran and a purported ‘current federal investigation’ into Family Member A of D.G.”

In a text message, “it was conveyed to D.G. that Person A’s ‘partner will see to it that [Family Member A] receives a Presidential Pardon, thus alleviating all his legal issues,” the indictment alleged.

Alford then wrote a letter, titled “Project Homecoming,” which made claims about an “‘investigation by the FBI for various public corruption and public integrity issues’ related to Family Member A,” as well as a “Presidential Pardon” and the request for $25 million to “‘immediately fund the release’ of R.L.,” according to the indictment.

The letter allegedly instructed that the money was to be “deposited into a trust account of Law Firm A.”

Alford’s letter also falsely asserted that his “‘team has been assured by the President’ that he will ‘strongly consider’ a ‘Presidential Pardon,'” or tell the Justice Department to quash any probe of “Family Member A” if R.L. is released from captivity, the indictment said.

Alford also falsely told D.G., “I will assure you that [Family Member A] will get off his problems” and claimed he could “guarantee” that that family member “would not go to prison.”

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Man accused of bomb plot in opposition to Democrats abused steroids, proclaimed ‘REVOLUTION’

Man accused of bomb plot against Democrats abused steroids, proclaimed 'REVOLUTION'

Two California men have been indicted for allegedly plotting to attack the Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento with explosive devices following last year’s presidential election. 

The men were charged Thursday in a San Francisco federal court with conspiracy to destroy a building affecting interstate commerce and other related crimes, in a scheme to attack the John L. Burton Democratic Headquarters in Sacramento. 

Ian Rogers, 45, of Napa, and Jarrod Copeland, 37, of Vallejo, began plotting a series of “specific, detailed, and serious” plans to attack Democrats with incendiary devices after the 2020 presidential election, according to court documents. The men also attempted to gain support from militia groups in hopes that their attack would spark a movement to overthrow the government. 

The charges come as authorities are on heightened alert for potential political violence following the Jan. 6 invasion of Capitol Hill by supporters of then-President Donald Trump who sought to block the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election.

“Do you think something is wrong with me how I’m excited to attack the democrats?” Rogers asked Copeland on a messaging app last December.

Copeland, who was arrested Wednesday, later told police that he didn’t take Rogers’ statement seriously and was only listening to him “blow off steam.”

But court records indicate that Copeland encouraged Rogers’ discussions about violence with messages stating that they would take action to keep Trump in office. 

“If we see [Trump] can’t win we strike,” Copeland said in one message. “If they don’t listen to trump they will hear us.” 

Copeland also contacted the Proud Boys and Three Percenters, two extreme anti-government militia groups, and attempted to recruit individuals to join their plot in late December, authorities said. 

Court records state that Copeland had joined the military in 2013 but was arrested for desertion twice and was discharged in 2016 in lieu of court martial. He then joined the Three Percenters and later became an officer within the militia group, court records say.

The two men continued discussions of violent attacks on Democrats after election results were certified on Jan. 6, according to the charges. Prosecutors alleged that the insurrection at the Capitol had inspired them, citing Copeland’s excited messages on that day that fantasized about violence. 

“REVOLUTION,” “REVOLUTION,” “REVOLUTION,” Copeland said about the insurrection. “I’m f—— juiced!!!!!”

“Damnit I wanna roll into sac geared up,” another message of his said, referring to Sacramento and his military-style tactical gear and weapons. 

The Democratic headquarters in Sacramento was selected as their first target to attack with explosive devices, and the two men had discussed attacking the Twitter and Facebook headquarters next, prosecutors charged. 

“Heads must be taken,” Copeland said. “I don’t like to think it but I think we will have to die for what we believe in.”

Rogers was arrested on Jan. 15 accused of possessing five pipe bombs and remains in state custody in Napa County on multiple weapons charges. In addition to the pipe bombs, authorities seized nearly 50 firearms and about 15,000 rounds of ammunition from his home and business, according to a criminal complaint. 

Materials used to make destructive devices were also found at his business, including black powder, pipes and end caps and several manuals, such as “The Anarchist Cookbook,” the “U.S. Army Improvised Munitions Handbook” and “Homemade C-4: A Recipe for Survival,” the complaint said. 

Authorities also reported discovering a sticker on Rogers’ vehicle window that is commonly used by Three Percenters. 

A day after Rogers’ arrest, Copeland purged all past communications with Rogers in fear of being traced. 

Court records also allege Copeland abuses anabolic steroids, noting a $1,200 purchase of steroids in December and the seizure of steroids from his home in January.

“The danger he poses to anyone with opposing political views is obvious,” the court records said. 

If convicted, the two men could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge, according to the Department of Justice.

Rogers also faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for his additional weapons charge, and Copeland faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for his destruction of evidence charge. 

Rogers’ attorney declined CNBC’s request for comment, and Copeland’s attorney could not be reached for comment. 

“Firebombing your perceived political opponents is illegal and does not nurture the sort of open and vigorous debate that created and supports our constitutional democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds. “The allegations in the indictment describe despicable conduct. Investigation and prosecution of those who choose violence over discussion is as important as anything else we do to protect our free society.”

Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, called their alleged plot “extremely disturbing.”

“We are relieved to know the plot was unsuccessful, the individuals believed to be responsible are in custody, and our staff and volunteers are safe and sound,” Hicks said in a statement Thursday. “Yet, it points to a broader issue of violent extremism that is far too common in today’s political discourse.”

— CNBC’s Dan Mangan and Amanda Macias contributed to this report.

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U.S. officers arrive in Haiti, key suspect arrested in assassination plot

U.S. officials arrive in Haiti, key suspect arrested in assassination plot

Haitian citizens hold up their passports as they gather outside the U.S. embassy in Tabarre, Haiti, on July 10, 2021, seeking asylum after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, explaining that there is too much uncertainty in the country and them for their fear of life. Publicity.

Valerie Bäriswyl | AFP | Getty Images

Five days after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, a delegation of US officials is arrested in Haiti to assess the political and security situation in the Caribbean.

The White House confirmed Monday that a delegation of officials from the National Security Council and Homeland Security, State and Justice departments had met with Haiti’s interim leaders and the national police to respond to their requests for security assistance and the investigation on Moise’s murder.

The arrival of the US delegation follows the arrest of a man of Haitian descent from Florida who is reportedly a prime suspect in Moise’s murder at his private residence in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday.

The State Department confirmed Monday that a third U.S. citizen was arrested after the attack, but declined to provide further information on privacy concerns. Instead, the department referred the Haitian authorities for details of the arrest.

Haitian police said they had arrested Christian Emmanuel Sanon, who had entered Haiti on a private plane “with the intention of assuming the Haitian presidency.” Sanon, who is in his early sixties, has been described as having played a pivotal role in the assassination, with Haitian police finding he was the “first person the attackers called” after the president was shot dead.

The New York Times and the Miami Herald reported that Sanon is a doctor in Florida.

The U.S. delegation’s arrival also comes after White House officials told NBC News on Friday that the U.S. has no plans to deploy troops to protect critical infrastructure, amid reports Haitian officials asked for such assistance. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said over the weekend the Department of Defense is looking into the Haitian request for troops, but the US is mainly focused on the investigation.

“I don’t know if we are now at a point where we can definitely say that what is happening there is putting our national security at risk,” Kirby told Fox News on Sunday. “But of course we value our Haitian partners. We value stability and security in this country.”

The US delegation met with Haiti’s interim leaders to promote free and fair elections, National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said in a White House press release. U.S. and Haitian officials also checked the security of the country’s critical infrastructure, Horne said.

“In all of their meetings, the delegation has pledged to support the Haitian government in its pursuit of justice in this case and to reaffirm the United States’ support for the Haitian people at this difficult time,” said Horne.

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On Friday, the State Department confirmed that two US citizens were arrested by Haitian police after the attack, but declined to comment.

Haitian police on Friday identified the American suspects as James Solages and Joseph Vincent, both of Haitian descent. You are among at least 20 suspects arrested by Haitian police so far, along with 18 Colombians.

Moise had faced violent protests for months before he was murdered. Opposition leaders accused him of increasing his power even after his term ended in February and called for his resignation.

Opposition leaders and their supporters pointed to Moise’s approval of decrees restricting a court’s powers to review government contracts and creating an intelligence agency that would only report to him. They also opposed his plans to hold a constitutional referendum that would strengthen the presidency in the country.

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Capitol Police put together for potential militia plot in opposition to Congress

Capitol Police prepare for possible militia plot against Congress

The US Capitol Police Department said Wednesday it had received information showing a “possible conspiracy to breach the Capitol” on Thursday “by an unidentified militia group”.

“We take this information seriously,” said the Capitol Police in a press release that also said the authorities are prepared for possible violence.

“Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we cannot provide any additional details at this time.”

The warning came a day after the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI sent an intelligence bulletin to state and local law enforcement agencies warning that some domestic groups were “discussing plans to take control of the U.S. Capitol and Democratic lawmakers on or.” to remove March 4th “. “A senior police officer told NBC News on Wednesday.

The exposure of the potential threat comes almost two months after the Capitol uprising on Jan. 6, when thousands of supporters of then-President Donald Trump broke into the halls of Congress and disrupted the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s election.

Five people died in connection with the attack, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.

March 4th is considered a significant date by some extremists, especially among supporters of the QAnon conspiracy theory, as it was the date for the presidential inauguration until 1937. Some QAnon supporters believe that that day Trump can take back power.

The joint Homeland Security and FBI bulletin states that “domestic violent extremists” or “militia-violent extremists” were encouraged by the January 6 attack and are therefore at greater risk.

The bulletin states that extremists continue to “perceive electoral fraud and other conspiracy theories related to the presidential transition that can help (domestic violent extremists) mobilize to violence without warning”.

Trump has falsely claimed for months that he lost the election to Biden due to widespread election fraud. No such fraud was found.

The Capitol Police said in their statement on Wednesday that they “know and are prepared to face possible threats to members of Congress or the Capitol complex.”

“We have already made significant security improvements to ensure the creation of a physical structure and increase in the workforce to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers,” the police said in their statement.

“Our department is working with our local, state and federal partners to halt any threat to the Capitol.”